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Funds will support VNA Hospice Care and Adult Day Center programs

BASKING RIDGE, NJ (December 7, 2016) – The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills (VNA), a New Jersey nonprofit providing home health, hospice, and community wellness services, has received a $10,000 donation from the Sanofi in Our Communities, Celebrating Diversity (SOCCD) program. Funds will be used to support hospice care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, and art and music therapy programs at the Adult Day Center. The VNA is also honored to have been chosen by the Sanofi US Employee Resource Group for Caregivers, CareGIVE, as a benefiting organization for an employee community service project.

“We thank the Sanofi Foundation for North America, along with all Sanofi employees involved with the Sanofi in Our Communities, Celebrating Diversity program, who participated in the volunteer activities at the VNA headquarters and Adult Day Center, for their generous support of our programs and mission,” said Daniel Powell, President and CEO of the VNA of Somerset Hills. “Their commitment to community, inclusion, and social services is a model for all civic-minded businesses.”

During their community service day at the agency, Sanofi employee volunteers assembled care packages for hospice patients. The large totes contained a variety of personal care products and other items, all generously donated by the Employee Resource Group. At the Adult Day Center, the volunteers assisted with a planting activity, and played games while socializing with members.

Through the VNA of Somerset Hills Hospice Care program, patients with life-limiting illness live as fully and comfortably as possible through pain and symptom management. A specially trained Hospice Care team supports the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their family members.

The Adult Day Center provides a warm and welcoming setting that enhances the quality of life for people who will benefit from companionship during the day, including those with Alzheimer’s, moderate dementia, or functional impairments due to stroke or chronic illnesses. Caregivers also receive a much-needed break from their stressful daily routine, allowing time for work and other non-caregiving responsibilities while feeling confident while their loved one is safe and not lonely. The care provided at the Center may help delay need for placing a loved one in an assisted living or nursing facility.

Led by Sanofi North America Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Sanofi Foundation of North America, SOCCD is an opportunity to commend the positive impact generated by select New Jersey-based non-profit organizations and to acknowledge the important work of the company’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Sanofi is a global life sciences company committed to improving access to healthcare and supporting the people we serve throughout the continuum of care.

VNA Community tradition benefits family caregivers and members at Adult Day Center

BASKING RIDGE, NJ (December 2, 2016) – Doors will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10 for the 26th Annual Cookie Walk at the VNA of Somerset Hills, 200 Mt. Airy Road in Basking Ridge. Proceeds from the sale of homemade cookies and baked treats benefit the Adult Day Center at Somerset Hills. Hosted by volunteers from the Friends of the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, this festive event has become a much-anticipated community tradition.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to stock up on homemade cookies for holiday entertaining while supporting a program that provides valuable services to so many members of our community,” said Sandy Smith of Basking Ridge, co-chair of the event. The sale takes place at the Adult Day Center, providing an opportunity to see the excellent facility and gain a better understanding of how dollars raised are helping local residents and families.

In addition to the baked goods, shoppers can enjoy the holiday boutique and purchase boxwood Christmas tree centerpieces sold by members of the Basking Ridge Garden Club.

The Adult Day Center provides a warm and welcoming setting that enhances the quality of life for people who will benefit from companionship during the day, including those with Alzheimer’s, moderate dementia, or functional impairments due to stroke or chronic illnesses. Caregivers also receive a much-needed break from their stressful daily routine, allowing time for work and other non-caregiving responsibilities while feeling confident their loved one is safe and not lonely. The care provided at the Center may help delay need for placing a loved one in an assisted living or nursing facility.

During National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we are highlighting some resources to help patients and families learn more about the care, support, and benefit hospice and palliative care provide to those coping with a life-limiting illness.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills (VNA) is pleased to announce the premier of The Holly Day Market, a gift boutique that will raise funds and awareness for the Adult Day Center (ADC) at Somerset Hills, an adult day services program run by the nonprofit healthcare organization. The holiday-themed shopping event will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday, November 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the VNA of Somerset Hills, located at 200 Mt. Airy Road in Basking Ridge, NJ.

“We are thrilled by the palpable excitement for the Holly Day Market already shown by the community,” stated Mona Gibson, Market Chairperson and VNA Trustee. “Our boutique features exclusive vendors from across the country who will be showcasing unique items such as custom shoes for women, fine jewelry, monogrammed gifts, clothing for men, women and children, table linens, sweets, treats, and much more. We welcome everyone to this special venue to help the VNA ensure that the Adult Day Center can continue provide services that help ease the stress and worries that caregivers may experience when caring for their loved one.”

“We are proud to debut this exciting new event at the VNA headquarters, which is also the home of our Adult Day Center,” said Daniel Powell, President and CEO of the VNA of Somerset Hills. “By hosting the market onsite, shoppers will have an opportunity to see, first-hand, the excellent facilities that their purchases will support. Proceeds will benefit our ADC programs and clientele, including those who face the challenges of moderate dementia, stroke-induced functional impairments, and other chronic illnesses.”

The Adult Day Club at Somerset Hills provides a warm and welcoming setting that enhances the quality of life for people who will benefit from companionship during the day, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Members enjoy a fulfilling day outside the home including a variety of engaging activities, lunch and snacks, daily exercise sessions, and personal care services. Experienced and nurturing staff are focused on supporting the individual health, emotional and recreational needs of each member. Caregivers also receive a much-needed break from their stressful daily routine, allowing time for work and other non-caregiving responsibilities while feeling confident while their loved one is safe and not lonely. The care provided at the Adult Day Club may help delay need for placing a loved one in an assisted living or nursing facility.

Funds will support arts programs benefiting elderly adults with dementia

The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills (VNA) has received a $4,000 grant from Investors Foundation to support arts programming at the Adult Day Club at Somerset Hills (ADC), an adult day center run by the organization. The specialized interactive music, visual, and cultural arts programs offered at the ADC are designed to stimulate brain activity and provide opportunities for self-expression, sense of accomplishment and purpose, emotional communication, and memory retrieval. Many of the elderly clientele are frail, and suffer from moderate dementia or other functional impairments due to stroke or other chronic illnesses.

“We are enormously grateful for the generosity of Investors Foundation and their support of our mission,” said Marie Sperber, VP of Business Development & Philanthropy at the VNA of Somerset Hills. “Their grant makes it possible for the Adult Day Club to continue to offer a wide range of therapeutic activities designed to enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other disabling conditions.”

The Adult Day Club at Somerset Hills provides a warm and welcoming setting that enhances the quality of life for people who will benefit from companionship during the day, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Members enjoy a fulfilling day outside the home including a variety of engaging activities, lunch and snacks, daily exercise sessions, and personal care services. Experienced and nurturing staff are focused on supporting the individual health, emotional and recreational needs of each member. Caregivers also receive a much-needed break from their stressful daily routine, allowing time for work and other non-caregiving responsibilities while feeling confident while their loved one is safe and not lonely. The care provided at the Adult Day Club may help delay need for placing a loved one in an assisted living or nursing facility.

The Investors Foundation is dedicated to helping organizations that support the arts, education, health & human services, youth initiatives, and more. Funding is available to organizations located in the areas served by Investors Bank, which includes most of New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island. Since the foundation’s beginnings in 2005, more than $16 million has been pledged to hundreds of worthy organizations and causes.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ (July 25, 2016) – The Board of Trustees of the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Somerset Hills, is pleased to announce that Daniel E. Powell, of Bernardsville, NJ, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. Powell, former Board Chairman of the VNA of Somerset Hills, has served as the agency’s Interim Chief Executive Officer since February. He will assume overall leadership for the nonprofit healthcare agency’s comprehensive program of home health, hospice care, adult day, and community wellness services.

“Dan Powell’s business background, leadership, and dedication to the agency and its mission make him an outstanding choice to lead the organization,” said Charles A. Reid, III, Esq., Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are excited that he has chosen to continue sharing his considerable expertise, knowledge and guidance with the VNA of Somerset Hills in this capacity.”

Over the course of his career, Powell has specialized in leading performance improvement initiatives to grow revenues, reduce costs and improve operations as an operating executive, strategic consultant, and private equity professional. In addition to serving as a CEO and as an adviser to Boards of Directors for several companies in the consumer product, retail, business service and wholesale distribution industries, Powell has also been active in the banking, private equity, and management consulting industries with McKinsey & Company, Alvarez & Marsal, Citicorp, and The Deerpath Group. He received a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Williams College, and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University, Graduate School of Business.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead the VNA of Somerset Hills, and look forward to working with our accomplished staff and executive team as we continue the agency’s mission-based tradition of delivering high quality and innovative healthcare services to the community,” said Powell.

Renowned antiques and fine art expert and auctioneer, Nick Dawes, will be at the Far Hills Fairgrounds on Wednesday, October 5th from 10am-2pm. He will be offering informal appraisals of your personal items. The $10 per item fee (maximum two) will generously be donated by Nick to the VNA of Somerset Hills.

Collin Leigh of Watchung, NJ, has fulfilled his Eagle Scout service project requirement with the construction and installation of two raised planting beds at the Adult Day Club of Somerset Hills. Leigh is a member of Basking Ridge Troop 555, part of the Patriots’ Path Council. The project will benefit club members, many of whom are disabled by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Leigh developed interest in the Adult Day Club when visiting a member in attendance. After discussing project options with Maria Keenan, Adult Day Club Manager, they agreed that the raised planting beds would be a wonderful addition to the Club’s enclosed, secure outdoor garden. In addition to being an enjoyable hobby, gardening provides important therapeutic benefits such as sensory stimulation through touch and smell. For individuals with cognitive disabilities, this can help improve mood, decrease agitation, and trigger positive memories, contributing to a better quality of life. The project will provide year-round enrichment program opportunities at the Club. Indoors, members are currently nurturing the seedlings started by Leigh, and will be planting and caring for them during the late spring and summer.

“We are very appreciative that Collin chose the Adult Day Club as recipient of his project. It’s been a pleasure working together, and our members really enjoyed the warm and engaging conversation he brought during his interactive presentation,” said Keenan. “They look forward to his return.”

BASKING RIDGE, NJ (February 2, 2016) – Expanding the range of enrichment activities designed to enhance the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the Adult Day Club at Somerset Hills in Basking Ridge, NJ, now offers a weekly music therapy program to all members. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, research shows that music can enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Using evidence-based methods, professionally trained and certified music therapists develop programs that promote cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and emotional well-being.

Through familiar music and singing, older adults with memory impairment may improve their ability to connect with others in a meaningful way by allowing them to recover forgotten memories about their past. In addition, music therapy may encourage self-awareness, evoke positive changes in mood, and reduce agitation and anxiety.

Alyssa Gonzalez, BM, MT-DC, a Board Certified Music Therapist from Jammin’ Jenn Music Therapy, conducts small group sessions with Club clients. Using techniques including reminiscing, instrument use, vocalization, and replication, Gonzalez adapts the curriculum to the varying levels of cognitive disability in each group. “In our music therapy sessions, musical activities are custom designed to promote, specific cognitive, motor, perceptual, communication, and behavioral goals that adaptively address each group. We utilize and leverage music to build a vast array of skills and enhance the overall quality of an individual’s life,” said Ed Goodman, Managing Director of Jammin’ Jenn Music Therapy.

“Because the activities during a music therapy session are designed to stimulate participation, this is a valuable addition to the specialized programming we offer members,” said Maria Keenan, Manager of the Adult Day Club at Somerset Hills. “Regardless of cognitive ability, every participant has the opportunity to benefit from an individualized social and sensory experience.”

BASKING RIDGE, NJ (January 19, 2016) – The Board of Trustees of the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Somerset Hills is now accepting applicants for its 2016 Nursing Scholarships. A $1000 scholarship will be awarded to two qualified Morris or Somerset County students planning to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN). Each year since 1991, the VNA has awarded college scholarships to students from Morris or Somerset County planning to receive a degree in nursing. The scholarships are financed by proceeds from the VNA’s bi-annual Rummage Sale and other fundraising efforts.

“The VNA of Somerset Hills is pleased to offer this opportunity to all men and women considering a rewarding future in the health care industry, including graduating high school students and those adults entering the field during a career change,” said Ann M. Painter, VNA of Somerset Hills President & CEO.

Scholarship applications are available from the VNA of Somerset Hills’ website at www.visitingnurse.org or by calling (908) 766-0180 X 127. Applications must be received by April 15, 2016 and will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee of the VNA of Somerset Hills Board of Trustees.